Amazing Benefits of Sapodilla (Chikoo) For Babies

What are the Amazing Benefits of Sapodilla (Chikoo) For Babies :

Manilkara zapota, commonly known as the sapodilla, is a long-lived, evergreen tree native to southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. An example natural occurrence is in coastal Yucatán in the Petenes mangroves ecoregion, where it is a subdominant plant species. It was introduced to the Philippines during Spanish colonization. It is grown in large quantities in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Mexico.

Sapodilla or sapota (chikoo) is another popular tropical fruit in line with mango, banana, jackfruit, etc. Sapota composes of soft, easily digestible pulp made of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose.

Sapota is a tropical evergreen, fruit-bearing tree belongs to the family of Sapotaceae, in the genus: Manilkara. Scientific name: Manilkara zapota. Sapote thought to have originated in the central American rain forests, probably in Mexico and Belize. Today, its cultivation has spread all over the tropical belt and is being grown as a major commercial crop in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia. The tree is one of fast growing, wind and drought resistant, and it flourishes well even under dry arid regions receiving scanty rains. However, water irrigation during summer would results in good fruit yields.

Here are some Amazing Benefits of Sapodilla Chikoo For Babies:

Chikoo is considered very good for a growing baby. It doesn’t cause any allergies and so it is considered to be safe. A baby can be introduced to chikoo at 6-8 months of age.

Vitamins present in chikoo help in physical and mental growth of a baby. They are very essential for body. Vitamin A develops proper eyesight. Vitamin B helps in functioning of body. It supports brain development, production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Vitamin C helps in developing a strong immune system which is quite essential for children.

Minerals present in Chikoo support the growth of bones and various functions of the body.

Chikoo is considered an excellent remedy for cold and cough in infants. It helps in reducing congestion and clogging, thereby preventing formation of mucous.

Chikoo is a source of antioxidants which are highly useful for a child’s health. Chikoo acts as a best natural medicine for diarrhea and dysentery in infants.

A raw Chikoo feeded to a baby can cure diarrhea and dysentery. The tannins present in bark of Chikoo tree can be boiled in water and used as medication.

Precautions To Be Taken While Feeding Chikoo For Babies:

1. Unripe fruits are to avoided. It will be difficult for babies to swallow and digest.
2. Ripened chikoo which can be made into paste by pressing gently can be feeded.
3. Store chikoo in a cool and dry place.
4. Children should not be given unripe chikoos.
5. Eating unripe chikoos causes ulcer and irritation in throat. It causes problems in breathing.
6. Raw chikoos are rich in latex and tannins which cause bitter taste.
7. Know How To Feed Chikoo For Babies.

Sapodilla (Chikoo) pure for babies:

1. First, peel off the skin of chikoo.
2. Then, remove the seeds carefully.
3. Gently crush the fruit pulp with a blender.
4. Make it pure by adding breast milk or formula.
5. And then, feed it to your baby.

What the Side Effects Of Sapodilla (Chikoo) ?

Though Chikoo is a great source of nutrients, it has a few side effects which have to be taken care of, while eating chikoo.

100 – 120 grams of chikoo can be eaten per day depending on the requirements of the person’s age weight and sex.

Overeating of chikoo may cause increase in weight due to high calories.
Overeating may cause discomfort and pain in abdomen.
Eating raw chikoo may cause same effects as it causes to children, like itching in throat, breathing problems and mouth ulcers.